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Overview

Named a Milton Safenowitz Post-Doctoral Fellow by the ALS Association (July 2007)

Effect of Astrocytic Nrf2 Activation on the Onset and Progression of Motor Neuron Degeneration in an ALS-Animal Model. Dr. Vargas works with Professor Jeffrey Johnson to examine the role of a defense system present in the cells that surround and aid the motor neurons. Astrocytes, star-shaped cells that buffer the motor neurons from potentially toxic products of normal cell chemistry, have a defense system headed by a protein abbreviated Nrf2. With mice that make more than the usual amount of Nrf2 in astrocytes, Vargas investigates to see if the defense system might be reinforced for ALS by crossing Nrf2 over-expressing mice with those making the mutant SOD1 protein. Vargas seeks to define whether the Nrf2 system is a way to affect the disease process and therefore a promising avenue toward effective therapy.

Advisor:

• Jeffrey Johnson